“We are not safe” these are the sentiments of Wangui Waweru a resident of Kiamunyeki, Lanet following the recent spate of insecurity in their area.

Approximately a week ago, a Kenya Defence Forces officer met his end at the hands of unknown assailants who stabbed him to death.

According to Ms. Wangui this is the fourth incident of a person being stabbed to death in the past year or so.

“Some time last year we had a mzee wa nyumba kumi chairperson, who was stabbed to death near Posta Road towards Tumsifu. Another woman also met her unfortunate demise in the same manner at the Nganga area. Towards the end of January this year, another man was also stabbed a few metres from the police station,” she laments.

Following the recent spate of crime, residents fear for their lives.

Another resident Kariuki James, questions if those criminals were courageous enough to go after a person trained in combat what about the rest of them?

“Time and again we have complained of security lapses in the area, but no tangible solutions have come forth with. After an incident a security baraza is organized and no tangible solutions are arrived at,” he says.

Additionally, Ms. Wangui also reveals that the Lanet Police Station itself has challenges ranging from lack of a police vehicle to the police station not having electricity.

“We urge our leaders to come to our aid, we need a fully functioning vehicle at the police station and electricity at the police station. How will the police be able to respond to situations if they also lack the means to do so?” she laments.

According to Bahati Sub County Police Commander Lilies Wachira, the police carry out patrol however the poor police- community relations is the biggest challenge at the moment.

“The people in the community never want to come and record statements,” she says.

Additionally, she says that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over the KDF officer’s case.

However, the police commander admits that they face logistical issues and this has made their work a bit challenging.

“Our vehicle broke down a month ago and we took it to be fixed but we currently have police officers on foot patrol,” she says.

During a recent interview with Citizen TV, the area Member of Parliament Irene Njoki admitted that in her constituency the issue of insecurity is a major thorn in her flesh.

“I have three police stations in my area that do not have electricity at all. At the same time there are no police vehicles to quickly respond to distress calls. This poses a huge challenge and greatly tips the scale on matters security,” she laments.

The legislator adds that she has addressed the matter with the Ministry of Interior and urges them to act with speed to address this menace.

Lanet residents decry insecurity as gang stabs KDF officer to death

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Bret Sanya